EU Exit Business Readiness Weekly Bulletin

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Business Readiness Forum

On Thursday, 21^st March, the EU Exit Business Readiness Forum looked at issues relating to Digital & Data. The slides from the event are in the attached document. Please share these with your business networks and members. The summary of the key questions raised at the Forum along with answers are being finalised and will be circulated with next week’s bulletin.

The EU Exit Business Readiness Forums were established in January with the aim of addressing a range of concerns identified by businesses in the event of a no deal EU exit. These concerns were categorised into nine themes:

•            Importing & Exporting

•            Workforce & People

•            Regulations & Standards

•            Digital & Data

•            Energy & Climate

•            EU/UK Funding

•            Public Procurement

•            Organisational Compliance

Over the past eight weeks, the Forums have addressed each of these business concerns. As there is an appetite from stakeholders for these meetings to continue, at the Forum on Thursday, we will summarise the key information from the themes over the past eight weeks and offer business groups another chance to ask and get answers to any outstanding questions they may have. 

For organisations unable to attend in person, there is now an option to participate in the Forums remotely via WebEx video conferencing. Invites will be sent to relevant organisations under separate cover. 

NEW - Latest Position on the EU Exit Timetable

The UK Government has now agreed at the March European Council an extension to Article 50. As a matter of international law, the UK will continue to be a member of the EU until 11pm on 12 April (UK time), irrespective of any Parliamentary vote. The Government will bring forward proposals for a third meaningful vote as soon as possible and, if it is passed, the date of our departure would be extended to 22 May to provide the time to pass the necessary legislation. If Parliament does not agree a deal this week, the EU Council have agreed to extend Article 50 until 12 April. At this point we would either leave with no deal or put forward an alternative plan. If this involved a further extension, it would mean participation in the European Parliamentary Elections. 

Tools & Resources   

NEW - BEIS Leaving the EU: Advice for SMEs

BEIS has recently published a leaflet, see attached, with information to help small businesses prepare their business for when the UK leaves the EU. 

Providing services to EEA and EFTA countries after EU Exit - Guidance for UK businesses on EU service provision if the UK leaves the EU with no deal.

If the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019 with no deal, UK businesses will no longer operate under European Economic Area (EEA) regulations for the cross-border trade of services. Updates – Additional country guides were published this week that contain information and links to help businesses navigate the third country regulations in each country. The updated list is here: Providing Services to EEA and EFTA Countries after EU Exit

 NEW - Healthcare advice for UK travellers in the event of a no deal EU Exit

Access to healthcare in the EU for UK nationals is likely to change in a no deal scenario. The Government has published updated advice on the continuity of reciprocal healthcare arrangements in the event that the UK exits the EU without a deal. All UK nationals who are planning to reside in, travel to, work or study in the EU or European Free Trade Area (EFTA) states (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) are strongly advised to check the latest country-specific guidance on GOV.UK and NHS.UK about healthcare arrangements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Further information is available on GOV.UK

• UK nationals living in the EU, EFTA and Switzerland: Healthcare
• UK residents visiting the EU, EFTA and Switzerland: Healthcare  

NEW - HMRC Webinar

HMRC recently ran a live webinar to help UK businesses trading with the EU to keep imports and exports up to speed in case of a no deal EU Exit. The recording of the live webinar session held on the 22 Mar 2019 is now available online for you to view.

 This webinar talks about 5 key areas UK businesses need to know: from how to register for an Economic Operator and Identification (EORI) number and Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP), to preparing to make customs declarations, what Entry Summary Declarations (also known as safety and security declarations) are, and paying the correct import and export duty and VAT.

As guidance is updated frequently, we recommend you check regularly on https://www.gov.uk/euexit or read the EU Exit partnership pack on GOV.UK.

Don’t delay taking the key steps to preparing your business. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, to continue trading goods with the EU your business needs to:

• Register for an EORI number
• Decide how you are going to make customs declarations. Many businesses find it simpler to appoint a customs agent to manage the process for them. If you want to make declarations through a customs agent appoint one as soon as possible. If you can’t appoint an agent or don’t think this is right for your business and if you intend to import or export regularly, make sure someone in your business is trained to make customs declarations and buy specialist softwarethat links to HMRC’s customs systems.
• If you’re an importer register for Transitional Simplified Procedure (TSP). You’ll be able to transport your goods into the UK without making a full customs declaration at the border, and will be able to delay paying your import duties.

 NEW - DIT Tariff Videos

DIT have created three informative videos that can be shared with members and supply chains to answer queries on tariffs

·         Tariffs: what happens if we leave the EU with no deal?

·         What is a Tariff Rate Quota?

·         What is a tariff?  

Recent Announcements 

Importing and Exporting

DIT updated guidance on checking temporary rates of customs duty on imports after EU Exit. Updates – Added information about Northern Ireland: Check Temporary Rates of Customs Duty on Imports after EU Exit

HMRC updated guidance on how to get a UK EORI number to trade within the EU. Updates - Once you have your UK EORI number it can take 48 hours before you can use it to make declarations using the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system: Get a UK EORI Number to Trade Within the EU

Cross Government update of guidance on the transport of goods out of the UK by road if the UK leaves the EU without a deal: checklist for hauliers. Updates – confirm you can continue to use your EU Community Licence until 31 December 2019 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, and that you would need an ECMT permit to transport goods through EU or EEA countries to non-EU or non-EEA countries who are ECMT members: Transport Goods out of the UK by Road if the UK Leaves the EU Without a Deal

Cross government guidance updated on export food, drink and agricultural products. Updates - These publications with EU Exit information: Application for Export Services at Concessionary Rates, Export of potatoes to non-EC countries, Inspection application form / Consignment note, Phytosanitary Certification of Grain for Export: Export Food and Agricultural Products Special Rules

NEW – APHA published guidance on the service to notify UK authorities you are planning to import animals, animal products, high-risk food or animal feed of non-animal origin: Import of Products Animals Food and Feed System

NEW – APHA published guidance on EU import of animals and products, food, feed how to notify authorities: EU Import of Animals and Products Food Feed Notify Authorities

APHA updated guidance on importing animals, animal products and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin after EU exit. Updates – Minimum notification period corrected from one working day to 24 hours. Added information about new procedure for importing from the EU to the UK and instructions on how to notify EU and non-EU imports if the UK leaves the EU without a deal: Importing Animals Animal Products and High Risk Food and Feed not of Animal Origin after EU Exit

APHA updated guidance on exporting animals, animal products, fish and fishery products to the EU after EU Exit. Updates - Added information about exporting animal by products: Exporting Animals Animal Products Fish and Fishery Products after EU Exit

APHA updated guidance on using the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS). Updates – URL for IPAFFS system updated: Import of Products Animals Food and Feed System IPAFFS

APHA updated guidance on finding a professional to certify export health certificates. Updates – Added contact details for local authority inspectors: Find a Professional to Certify Export Health Certificates

DEFRA updated guidance on customs clearance for animals and animal products. Updates – Added information about new procedure for importing from the EU to the UK if the UK leaves the EU without a deal: Using TRACES to Trade in Animals and Animal Products

DEFRA updated guidance on importing and exporting plants and plant products if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. Updates – Replaced the ‘Moving regulated plants and plant products within the UK’ section with guidance on Plant Passports and Pest Free Areas: Importing and Exporting Plants and Plant Products if there is No Withdrawal Deal

DVSA updated guidance on ECMT international road haulage permits. Updates - Confirm you can continue to use your EU Community Licence until 31 December 2019 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, and that you would need an ECMT permit to transport goods through EU or EEA countries to non-EU or EEA countries who are ECMT members. Added information about how to apply for short-term ECMT permits for April 2019.: ECMT International Road Haulage Permits

NEW – HMRC published guidance on making declarations using Transitional Simplified Procedures: Making Declarations Using Transitional Simplified Procedures

NEW – HMRC outlines extension of Transitional Simplified Procedures: HMRC Outlines Extension of Transitional Simplified Procedures

NEW – HMRC published a communications pack for Import VAT on parcels in the event of a no deal EU exit: Communications Pack Import VAT on Parcels in the Event of a No Deal EU Exit

NEW – HMRC published guidance on bringing merchandise from or to the UK in baggage or small motor vehicle, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal: Bringing Merchandise from or to the UK in Baggage if the UK Leaves the EU Without a Deal

NEW – HMRC published guidance on VAT IT system changes for businesses outside the UK if the UK leaves the EU with no deal: VAT IT System Changes for Businesses Outside the UK if the UK Leaves the EU With No Deal

Regulations and Standards

NEW – BEIS have published guidance on the legislative regime on product safety and metrology in a no deal scenario: UK Product Safety and Metrology Guidance in a 'no deal' scenario

NEW – BEIS published guidance on placing manufactured goods on the EU internal market if there's no deal: Placing Manufactured Goods on the EU Internal Market if there is No Brexit Deal

NEW – BEIS published guidance on placing manufactured goods on the UK market if there’s no Brexit deal: Placing Manufactured Goods on the UK Market if there is No Brexit Deal 

NEW – BEIS published guidance on the status of conformity assessment bodies after Brexit: Status of Conformity Assessment Bodies after Brexit 

NEW – DEFRA published guidance on developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) if there's no Brexit deal: Developing Genetically Modified Organisms if there is No Brexit Deal 

NEW – DfT published guidance on Rail interoperability in the event of a 'no deal' Brexit: Rail Interoperability in the Event of a No Deal Brexit 

DfT updated guidance on international road haulage: operator licences and permits. Updates - Confirm you can continue to use your EU Community Licence until 31 December 2019 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, and that you would need an ECMT permit to transport goods through EU or EEA countries to non-EU or EEA countries who are ECMT members: International Authorisations and Permits for Road Haulage

FCO updated information on UK sanctions regimes if there’s no Brexit deal. Updates - Added regime page for UK counter-terrorism sanctions. Regulations have been added for the Republic of Belarus and Zimbabwe: UK Sanctions Regimes if there is No Brexit Deal

MHRA updated guidance and publications on a possible no deal scenario. Updates - Added links to new guidance covering licensing of biological products, marketing authorisations, centrally authorised products, Parallel Distribution Notices, Reference Medicinal Products, pharmacovigilance, new assessment routes, clinical trials and other information about medicines and medicinal products licensing. New no deal guidance has been added to the page on procedures for UK-PIPs & medicines packaging: MHRA Guidance and Publications on a Possible No Deal Scenario

Workforce and People

FCO updated guidance on foreign travel insurance. Updates - Information on the use of European Health Insurance cards (EHIC) in the event of a no deal added to the EU Exit update section. Added information on financial protection of package holidays: Foreign Travel Insurance

NEW - Home Office launches nationwide campaign for EU Settlement Scheme: Home Office Launches Nationwide Campaign for EU Settlement Scheme

FCO updated guidance on foreign travel insurance. Updates - Information on the use of European Health Insurance cards (EHIC) in the event of a no deal added to the EU Exit update section. Added information on financial protection of package holidays: Foreign Travel Insurance

NEW - HO published guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme: evidence of relationship to an EU citizen: EU Settlement Scheme Evidence of Relationship to an EU Citizen

HO updated guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme, ID document scanner locations. Updates - Locations in Ealing, Livingstone, Maidenhead, Hereford, Liverpool, Slough and Worcester added: EU Settlement Scheme ID Document Scanner Locations

NEW – MHCLG published guidance on EEA nationals in the UK: access to social housing and homelessness assistance in a no deal scenario: EEA Nationals in the UK Access to Social Housing and Homelessness Assistance in a No Deal ScenarioIntellectual Property

NEW - Cross government guidance published on changes to design and trade mark law if the UK leaves the EU without a deal: Changes to Design and Trade Mark Law if the UK Leaves the EU Without a Deal

NEW – DEFRA published guidance on plant variety rights and marketing plant reproductive material if the UK leaves the EU without a deal: Plant Variety Rights and Marketing Plant Reproductive Material if the UK Leaves the EU Without a Deal

IPO updated guidance on changes to trade mark law if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. Updates - Additional paragraphs added to section 6 with a link added to the EU Trade Mark Register TMview: Changes to Trade Mark Law if the UK Leaves the EU Without a Deal

IPO updated guidance on IP and Brexit: the facts. Updates - Design guidance added under the heading Statutory legislation: IP and Brexit the Facts

EU & UK Funding

NEW – HMT published guidance on the European Investment Bank Group financing if there’s no Brexit deal: European Investment Bank Group Financing if there is No Brexit Deal

BEIS updated guidance on European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) if there’s no Brexit deal. Updates – to make clear that existing fund delivery bodies will continue to perform the same roles as they do now: European Regional Development Funding if there is No Brexit Deal

BEIS updated guidance on European Social Fund (ESF) grants if there’s no Brexit deal. Updates – to make clear that existing fund delivery bodies will continue to perform the same roles as they do now:  European Social Fund ESF Grants if there is No Brexit Deal

Public Procurement

CO updated guidance on public-sector procurement after a no-deal Brexit. Updates – Changed 29 March to 11 April 2019: Public Sector Procurement after a No Deal Brexit

Organisational Compliance

NEW – HMT published guidance on changes to deduction of tax on interest, royalties and dividends if the UK leaves the EU without a deal: Deduction of Tax on Interest Royalties and Dividends if the UK Leaves the EU Without a Deal

CMA updated guidance on information for businesses on the CMA's role after Brexit. Updates - Added to collection new guidance to explain how EU Exit will affect the powers and processes of the CMA as well as a new consultation on CA98 penalties: CMAs Role after Brexit        

Other

NEW - Cross government announcement on continued EU access for UK airlines, hauliers and bus and coach operators agreed: Continued EU Access for UK Airlines Hauliers and Bus & Coach Operators Agreed

DExEU updated guidance on International Agreements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. Updates – made to the following agreements: UK-Switzerland Agreement on Direct Insurance other than Life Insurance and Decision, Agreement on Government Procurement, Australia MRA, Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement, Norway Road Transport Agreement, Jordan Air Services Arrangement and United States Air Safety Arrangement: International Agreements if the UK Leaves the EU Without a Deal

DfT updated guidance on preparing to drive in the EU after Brexit. Updates – Clarification that if you are travelling in the EU and EEA with a UK registered caravan or trailer, you will need two Green Cards: one for the towing vehicle, and one for the caravan or trailer: Prepare to Drive in the EU after Brexit

You can sign up to receive email alerts about Brexit on Gov.UK: Brexit E-mail Alerts 

Triage Tool

Gov.uk has an online tool to help businesses prepare for the UK leaving the EU. Businesses can use the Triage Tool to find out:

• what their business may need to do to prepare for the UK leaving the EU                                          
• what’s changing in their sector
• information on specific rules and regulations

Businesses will need to answer 7 simple questions to get guidance relevant to their business. 

BEIS Sector Primers

These sector primers aim to bring together on one webpage the top 3 – 5 issues for each sector and provide guidance.  The primers link through to more detailed material elsewhere on gov.uk. A final batch have now been published, please could you pass on to stakeholders and ask them to cascade through their networks. The sectors covered are:

• Aerospace: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-aerospace-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Automotive: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-automotive-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Chemicals: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-chemicals-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Construction and Housing: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-construction-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Consumer Goods: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-consumer-goods-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Electricity incl. Renewables: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-electricity-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Electronics, Machinery & Parts: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-electronics-machinery-and-parts-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Gas Markets: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gas-markets-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Life Sciences Sector: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-life-sciences-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Mining and Non-metal Manufacturing: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mining-the-manufacturing-of-non-metals-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Nuclear Sector: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-nuclear-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Oil and Gas Production: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-production-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Parcel Delivery Services: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/parcel-delivery-services-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Professional & Business Services.:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-professional-and-business-services-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Research & Innovation: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-science-research-and-innovation-sector-and-preparing-for-a-no-deal-eu-exit
• Retail: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-retail-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Space Sector: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-space-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Steel: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/steel-and-other-metal-manufacturing-and-preparing-for-eu-exit

 

DEFRA Sector Primers

• Fisheries Sector: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-fisheries-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Food and Drink Sector Updates - To include the EU’s guidance on goods on the market: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-food-and-drink-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit
• Farming Sector Updates - Added information on genetically modified organisms (GMOs): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-farming-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit

Veterinary Sector: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-veterinary-sector-and-preparing-for-eu-exit